Son Heung-min’s outstanding performances this season position him among the world’s elite players, leading to discussions about whether he is Asia’s greatest footballer. His consistency in goal-scoring and pivotal contributions to both club and international football set him apart from other notable Asian talents, marking him as a strong contender for this title.
Son Heung-min has been exceptional this season, netting 10 goals and providing three assists in 11 Premier League appearances, along with three goals and three assists in six European games. His performances place him among the best in the world, and he would likely be a starter for any top club globally. If recognized as the Premier League’s best player, it would bolster his claim as Asia’s greatest footballer ever.
Since becoming a full-time starter in 2012 with Hamburg, Son has achieved double-digit goals in all seasons except his first at Tottenham Hotspur. His remarkable consistency over the past nine years highlights his effectiveness across two top leagues, the Premier League and Bundesliga, even though he rarely plays as a primary striker. His contributions extend to three goals in FIFA World Cups and a pivotal role in Tottenham’s run to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final, earning him a Ballon d’Or nomination.
When comparing Son to other notable Asian talents, questions abound. Has any Asian player shown the dominance Son currently exhibits? No player has matched his impact at a major club in an elite league, or delivered similar consistent goal contributions. Keisuke Honda from Japan had a distinguished career, earning 98 caps with 37 goals, including a standout performance in three World Cups. While an excellent midfielder, Honda’s club career longevity in top leagues was shorter compared to Son’s continuous success.
Tim Cahill is Australia’s leading scorer and clutch performer, netting 50 goals in 108 appearances. He gained fame for scoring in three separate World Cups and was crucial in Australia’s 2015 Asian Cup victory, but did not have the same technical flair or goal-scoring consistency as Son. Park Ji-sung, from South Korea, boasts an impressive trophy collection, including four Premier League titles and a Champions League. However, his role was often supportive at Manchester United and marred by limited consistent goal contributions relative to Son.
Cha Bum-kun was a pioneer for Asian athletes in Europe, achieving remarkable success in the Bundesliga. Despite scoring frequently in league play, he did not shine on the World Cup stage like Son did. Hidetoshi Nakata, a technical midfielder, excelled in Serie A and was a significant figure in the 2002 World Cup, yet did not demonstrate Son’s overall dominance on the pitch.
Harry Kewell matched Son’s skill and talent but struggled with injuries impacting consistency. Similarly, Mark Viduka was noted for his remarkable goal record in Europe, yet wasn’t as impactful internationally. Majed Abdullah from Saudi Arabia holds impressive goal records but played mostly in one domestic league, limiting comparisons to Son’s international exploits. Ali Daei, another Iranian icon, is the highest international goal-scorer but never reached the prominence in top European leagues that Son enjoys.
Shinji Kagawa contributed to Borussia Dortmund’s success but faced challenges at Manchester United, showcasing a lot of potential that went unfulfilled. Sami Al-Jaber is notable for his local league achievements, yet like Abdullah, did not compete in the world’s top leagues throughout his career. Other honorable mentions include notable talents from Asia such as Ali Al-Habsi, Atsuto Uchida, and others, who have made significant contributions but do not surpass Son’s impact.
Ultimately, if doubts remain about Son’s status as the best, his career trajectory may well settle the discussion. Securing major trophies or individual accolades would further validate his position, but even without them, his sustained excellence, adaptability, and impact are compelling arguments for his claim as Asia’s all-time best player.
Son Heung-min’s exceptional career showcases his talent, consistency, and significant contributions to top European football. His statistics and impact on club and international stages position him strongly in the debate over Asia’s greatest footballer. Compared to other greats, Son’s current form and legacy continue to grow, making it increasingly challenging to dispute his claim as the best from Asia.
Original Source: www.sbs.com.au
